Part of I-85 collapses in Atlanta after massive fire

a reply to: kosmicjack

That is a big ol' hole in the get around, isn't it?

That's a year or so in fixing, I'd guess... It'll certainly be high on the priority list. Until I looked at that map, I had no idea just how badly Atlanta'ites are screwed right now.

a reply to: kosmicjack

What I saw was clearly stacked coils of conduit stored alongside drums.

TheRedneck

a reply to: seagull

The actual collapse appears to be along the expansion joints, as expected. But they'll have to replace a lot more than just the collapsed section... given the intensity, I'd say at least a quarter mile in both directions.

TheRedneck

In this modern age we live in, perception is a very powerful tool.
It gives the general public, in many cases the same abilities of those that are in covert and clandestine organizations.
The greater the dissemination, exposure and discussion, the greater the possibility that a new bridge will be rebuilt and nothing else.

Buck

a reply to: TheRedneck

So better part of two, maybe three years, instead?

Not good.

a reply to: seagull

Technically, it could be finished in 6 months... but not likely. I'd say a little better than a year, possibly two, depending on how much pressure people put on the GaDOT.

Most of the time is actually spent working on private projects with tighter deadlines. Road contractors use government projects to smooth out workloads.

TheRedneck

Another interesting element is that this elevated portion of I-85 is directly adjacent to a rail yard.

a reply to: kosmicjack

I never watch the local news so it wasn't until late in the evening that I found out about this. I commute on the west-side of 285 everyday. I worked from home today so don't know it affected traffic. I expect anyone coming through town that usually goes up 85 will probably take 75 now and then east on 285. Traffic has been getting progressively worse for years. We need more freeways, not less. Maybe this will create more public transport. ATL isn't famous for that.

I've driven underneath the bridge a number of times. There has always been material stored there (mostly spools of cable of some sort), and no one thought anything of it, apparently.

While everyone is calling it a bridge (which is technically true, I guess), I think of this section of I-85 as more of an elevated freeway.

The AJC has a series of photos from Google Street View that were taken at various times over the years. As you can see, stuff has been stored underneath for a while.

Link: www.ajc.com...

The mood in the city is shock and stoicism. Stark reality is setting in. And lots of questions...and the percolating of outrage...

Zaph sent me this link:

www.11alive.com...

...been there for years. So why did it suddenly go up in flames?

Here is some drone footage:

www.youtube.com...

SO much great footage on line. Also, waiting for all the camera footage from CCTVs in the area, businesses and state run. There is a GDOT camera on the interstates all around the city about every 25 to 50 yards, both directions.

One thing causing outrage is how many times it was reported that the smoke was not toxic. Turns out it super #ing is.

a reply to: TheRedneck

Seems to me, that something of this nature, which is going to cause nothing but problems, would qualify for some form of govt. (fed.) relief--matching funds or some such.

This guy was recording and he tells someone on the phone that he hears booms:

Looks like it's already been fixed..

a reply to: underwerks

We wish. LOL!

Here is a crazy CTer making some wild claims:

www.youtube.com...

And this, to ATL, with lurve from reddit:

a reply to: underwerks

That's only for the HOV lane

my guess is, a homeless person started the fire, either on purpose or on accident.

originally posted by: seagull
a reply to: TheRedneck

Seems to me, that something of this nature, which is going to cause nothing but problems, would qualify for some form of govt. (fed.) relief--matching funds or some such.

It's a federal highway so it will be subsidized.

originally posted by: TrueBrit
a reply to: flatbush71

Unless there is a syndrome which creates a non-zero chance of having a rifle round blasted through ones head, in an open topped car, I think I am missing your meaning there.

I think flatbush was referring to the rumored involvement of the US Central Intelligence Agency in the Dealey Plaza exodus of JFK. Someone said the span in question "was old" and that coincidentally it fell just before opening day at the new Atlanta Braves stadium across town. Costs of maintaining highway infrastructure and bond issues for new stadiums sometimes conflict. Perhaps there will be a Federal mandate for Atlanta to utilize their rail system?

Odd coincidence?

Bridge View

Three people arrested related to the fire. Developing...as per WSB live broadcast. Will post source ASAP. Anyone else feel free.

Just got an alert on my phone from WSB that three people are in custody about the fire.

No other info yet.